Goodell Meets Pritzker to Discuss Publicly Owned Stadium Plan for Bears
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on October 2 to discuss a publicly owned stadium plan for the Chicago Bears in Arlington Heights, NBC Sports and Crain's Chicago Business reported.
The Bears plan a new domed stadium on the former Arlington racetrack site. Under the "public ownership" model, a public authority would own the stadium with the team as long-term tenant — a structure aimed at winning state and local financial support while addressing taxpayer concerns over subsidies.
Pritzker has repeatedly said the state will not write a blank check for a pro sports stadium and that any public money must show clear taxpayer returns. The Bears counter that a new stadium would bring major construction jobs, lasting tax revenue, and a shot at hosting the Super Bowl and other mega-events.
Details of the meeting were not disclosed; both sides called the talks "constructive" and said negotiations continue. The final plan will still need approvals from the legislature and Arlington Heights officials, with the financing structure the biggest open question.
The meeting took place at the governor's office.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 芝加哥士兵球场，Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0，摄影：Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada
